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German Phrase

Ich sollte dich jetzt gehen lassen.

/ɪç ˈzɔltə dɪç jɛt͡st ˈɡeːən ˈlasən/
Meaning"I should let you go now."
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Meaning

This phrase means that the speaker feels it's appropriate or necessary to allow the other person to leave at the current moment. The use of 'sollte' (should) implies a gentle suggestion or a recognition of an obligation, rather than a forceful command. It's a polite way to conclude an interaction.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when you've been talking to someone for a while and feel it's time for them to depart, perhaps because you or they have other commitments. It's a polite way to signal the end of a conversation or visit, indicating that you are releasing them from the interaction.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichsolltedichjetztgehenlassen

1

Ich (I)

This is the first-person singular pronoun, acting as the subject of the sentence. In German, the verb typically comes in the second position in main clauses.

2

sollte (should)

'Sollte' is the Konjunktiv II (subjunctive II) form of the modal verb 'sollen' (to be supposed to, ought to). It expresses a recommendation, a gentle obligation, or a suggestion, making the statement softer and more polite than a direct command.

3

dich (you)

'Dich' is the accusative form of the personal pronoun 'du' (you, informal singular). It functions as the direct object of the verb 'lassen' (to let/allow).

4

jetzt (now)

This is an adverb of time, indicating that the action is happening at the present moment. Adverbs of time often follow the subject and the conjugated verb in German sentences.

5

gehen lassen (to let go)

This is a common construction with the modal verb 'lassen' (to let/allow) followed by an infinitive verb ('gehen' - to go). When 'lassen' is used with another infinitive, 'lassen' itself acts like an infinitive at the end of the sentence, even though 'sollte' is the conjugated verb.

🗨In Conversation

A

Vielen Dank für das nette Gespräch!

Thanks a lot for the nice conversation!

Gern geschehen. Ich sollte dich jetzt gehen lassen.

You're welcome. I should let you go now.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich sollte dich jetzt gehen.

    The verb 'lassen' is crucial here. 'Gehen lassen' means 'to let go' or 'to allow to leave'. Without 'lassen', it would mean 'I should go you now', which is grammatically incorrect and nonsensical.

  • Ich muss dich jetzt gehen lassen.

    While grammatically correct, 'muss' (must) is much stronger and more direct than 'sollte' (should). Using 'muss' can sound more demanding or urgent, whereas 'sollte' is softer and more polite.

  • Ich sollte jetzt dich gehen lassen.

    The word order for 'dich' (you) and 'jetzt' (now) is important. 'Dich' typically comes before 'jetzt' in this construction, especially when 'dich' is the direct object of 'lassen'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich muss dich jetzt gehen lassen.

    I must let you go now.

  • Es ist Zeit, dass du gehst.

    It's time for you to go.

  • Ich muss leider los.

    Unfortunately, I have to go.

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Cultural Tip

Germans often value directness, but politeness is also highly regarded. 'Ich sollte dich jetzt gehen lassen' strikes a good balance, being clear about the intention to end the interaction while using the softer 'sollte' to maintain courtesy. It's less abrupt than simply saying 'Geh jetzt!' (Go now!). In formal settings or with strangers, adding 'Entschuldigen Sie, aber...' (Excuse me, but...) could make it even more polite.